Marianela Nanninga is a dynamic professional with a strong background in business strategy and leadership. With years of experience in driving innovation and operational excellence, she has established herself as a key figure in her industry. Known for her strategic vision and ability to navigate complex challenges, Marianela has successfully led teams and projects that deliver impactful results. Her expertise spans across business development, process optimization, and stakeholder management. Passionate about fostering growth and innovation, she continuously seeks opportunities to improve efficiency and drive sustainable success. Marianela’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
Company: ToDo Robotics
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Marianela Nanninga: My name is Marianela Nanninga, and I am the CEO and founder of ToDo Robotics. My journey has always been fueled by a passion for innovation and a vision to make automation more accessible across industries.
ToDo Robotics specializes in cutting-edge robotic solutions designed to enhance efficiency in hospitality, retail, commercial real estate, and logistics. We provide advanced service and cleaning robots, as well as robotic kitchen equipment, to help businesses optimize operations and improve customer experiences.
As a Latina entrepreneur in the robotics industry, I’m committed to driving innovation while promoting inclusivity and diversity in tech leadership. Our mission at ToDo Robotics is to redefine the role of automation, making it a force for good by streamlining processes, reducing operational costs, and empowering businesses to focus on what truly matters—their people and their customers.
What are your top personal and professional goals for 2025, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Marianela Nanninga: For 2025, my top personal and professional goals are centered around growth, impact, and innovation. Professionally, I’m focused on expanding ToDo Robotics by strengthening partnerships, increasing market presence, and helping more businesses integrate automation to enhance efficiency. A key part of this journey is my participation in the Supply Chain Accelerator (SCA) at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, where I’m gaining valuable insights to scale operations strategically. Additionally, as a member of the Cultivating Hispanic Leaders Institute (CHLI) through the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I’m honing my leadership skills to better serve my community and empower other Latina entrepreneurs. On a personal level, I want to continue challenging myself, building resilience, and embracing opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone. My plan? Stay curious, keep learning, and surround myself with inspiring mentors and peers who drive me to be better every day.
Looking back at 2024, what was the biggest lesson you learned, and how will it influence your approach in 2025?
Marianela Nanninga: Looking back at 2024, one of the biggest lessons I learned was to truly appreciate the collective effort of everyone in the robotics industry who is working to create awareness and educate businesses about the power of automation. The journey of introducing commercial robotics into traditional industries is not just about selling technology—it’s about changing mindsets, building trust, and demonstrating real value. I also embraced the importance of my role as a Latina entrepreneur in a technical field, recognizing that representation matters. As a woman in robotics, I’ve seen firsthand how my journey can inspire others to break barriers and step into spaces where diversity is still growing. In 2025, I’ll continue to amplify these efforts—expanding education, fostering inclusion, and using my platform to encourage more women and minorities to explore opportunities in tech and entrepreneurship.
What trends or innovations do you predict will significantly impact your industry this year?
Marianela Nanninga: In 2025, I anticipate several key innovations that will significantly shape the robotics industry, particularly in commercial applications. AI integration in robotics is evolving rapidly, allowing commercial robots to become smarter, more adaptive, and capable of making real-time decisions to enhance efficiency. In the cleaning sector, AI-driven algorithms are improving navigation, obstacle avoidance, and task optimization, making autonomous cleaning robots even more effective and precise. Another groundbreaking development is the arrival of the firsts wheel-based humanoids for commercial applications, which will redefine automation in sectors like hospitality, retail, and logistics. These advancements are not just about technology—they’re about enhancing human capabilities, improving workplace efficiency, and opening new opportunities for businesses to embrace automation in a seamless, practical way. At ToDo Robotics, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this evolution, helping companies leverage these innovations to drive productivity and innovation.
How do you approach goal-setting and maintaining focus throughout the year?
Marianela Nanninga: Goal-setting and staying focused throughout the year is not easy, especially as an entrepreneur balancing multiple responsibilities. However, I’ve learned that having a clear vision, adaptability, and strong support systems makes all the difference. Here are three key strategies that help me stay on track:
1. Break Goals into Actionable Steps – Instead of focusing only on big-picture objectives, I set smaller, measurable milestones that keep progress tangible and motivating. This makes even the most ambitious goals feel achievable.
2. Stay Adaptable and Open to Change – The robotics industry evolves fast, and being too rigid can be limiting. I continuously assess, adjust, and embrace new opportunities, ensuring that my strategies remain relevant and effective.
3. Surround Yourself with the Right People – Whether it’s mentors, peers, or my team, having a strong network keeps me accountable and inspired. Learning from others and sharing experiences helps maintain momentum and perspective.
What advice would you give to other leaders and entrepreneurs looking to make 2025 their best year yet?
Marianela Nanninga: My advice to leaders and entrepreneurs looking to make 2025 their best year yet is to commit to continuous learning, build endurance, make timely decisions, and always stay true to your ethical values. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and those who embrace learning and adaptability will stay ahead. Whether it’s new technologies, industry trends, or leadership skills, staying curious and open-minded is essential.
Endurance is key—success doesn’t happen overnight, and challenges are inevitable. Stay persistent, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward with resilience. At the same time, making timely decisions is crucial. Overanalyzing can lead to missed opportunities, so trust your knowledge, assess risks wisely, and take decisive action when needed.
Most importantly, always keep your ethical values at the core of your business. Integrity and trust are invaluable assets, and in the long run, they define your reputation and success. By staying committed to these principles, you’ll not only achieve your goals but also build a business that truly makes an impact.
